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New England Patriots star quarterback Drake Maye did not practice Friday due to a shoulder injury and illness.
Just nine days before the Super Bowl, Maye’s health became a topic to watch. The 23-year-old participated on a limited basis in Thursday’s practice.
Maye, who appeared to be injured in the third quarter of the Patriots’ 10-7 win over the Denver Broncos when he was hit during a scrimmage and immediately grabbed his right shoulder, said he will do everything he can to get back to 100 percent.
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Drake Maye (10) of the New England Patriots stands for the national anthem before the AFC Championship game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on January 25, 2026. (Lauren Leigh Bacho/Getty Images)
“I’m just going to try to do everything I can to get back to 100 percent. I think a lot of people in this locker room would say the same thing,” Maye told reporters at a news conference Thursday. “Having a two-week break is nice to rest a little more and get to know the Seahawks as best I can. From there, I’m looking forward to practicing and trying to transfer that to live game reps.”
The former North Carolina star said he didn’t think his ability to throw would be inhibited.
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New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye looks towards his bench during the second half of the NFL AFC Championship football game against the Denver Broncos in Denver, Colorado on January 25, 2026. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
“No, I don’t think so. That’s what you spend time for. That’s why you have coaches. I think it’s just one of those things where the season is long, and sometimes things show up. I’m going to do everything I can to feel 100 percent. I’m sure I’ll get, if not there, as close as I can, to 99 percent, or I’ll do everything I can to make sure I pitch and, like I have said, do whatever I can to help the team win.”
Maye said he threw Thursday and was able to do some of the jogging. Head coach Mike Vrabel said his level of concern was “not great” during a news conference Thursday.
Maye, who was fantastic in the regular season, did not have the same success in the postseason, despite appearing in the Super Bowl.
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New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) warms up before the AFC NFL Championship football game against the Denver Broncos in Denver, Colorado on January 25, 2026. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
In the regular season, the 23-year-old completed 72 percent of his passes for 4,394 yards with 31 touchdowns and eight interceptions, along with 421 rushing yards and two touchdowns. In the playoffs, Maye was not as effective through the air, completing 55.8% of his passes for 533 yards with four touchdowns and two interceptions while getting sacked 15 times.
However, Maye was dynamic with his legs, totaling 141 yards and a touchdown, the only one the Patriots scored in the AFC Championship, in three games.
The Patriots will need Maye to be at his best in the Super Bowl, as the Seahawks defense was the best in the NFL this season, allowing just 17.1 points per game.
